MAJORING IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

A major program of study in psychology is composed of a
minimum of 9.5 courses (out of a total of 36 courses counted toward graduation). The department has structured the major to expose you to as many of the fundamental areas of psychology as possible in an undergraduate major. Thus, you are required to take a basic introduction to the fundamental concepts and terms used in all areas of psychology; you must take a course early in your major covering research methods to allow you to critically
assess the information presented in advanced classes; you must take a course emphasizing the role that theory plays in scientific psychology; you must also take courses that emphasize both the laboratory and social based research methods; in addition, since psychology is relevant to many of our daily concerns and has been applied to these problems, you must take a course covering one of the areas of psychological applications. There is no limit on the maximum number of psychology courses a student may take, so students are encouraged to take as many as feasible beyond the minimum
required, especially if a graduate career is desired.

Requirement (Number of courses required)

Introduction to Psychology (1)

PSY 111Basic Principles of Psychology.
A basic introduction
to the field and profession of psychology. This course counts toward
the satisfaction of the Social Science general degree requirements. This
course is a prerequisite for all higher level courses in the department, unless otherwise noted.

Research Methods in Psychology (1)

PSY 220 Research Design and Statistics.
Considers the basic design of psychological research (experimental, correlational,
survey, case study, etc.) and the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data. This course has the prerequisite Math 147 (Applied Statistics). This course must be completed before the beginning of the junior year.

Laboratory Based Research (two courses organized as shown below)

One of the following two courses:PSY 162Neuropsychology.
The study of the central neurological bases of sensation, learning, motivation,
emotion, and higher cortical functions. Laboratory exercises emphasize the
constraints placed on behavior by environment and biology. Rats and humans are
used as subjects. Part of the Natural World LADR. Bio 162 or 161 must be taken
first.

PSY 164Sensation and Perception.
An investigation of the basic processes by which humans gather information about
the surrounding world. Topics include psychophysical methods and the major
senses. A laboratory experience is provided. Part of the Natural World LADR
requirement. The other NW LADR can be any course and taken before or after
this course.

Followed by one of the following two courses (these courses also have
PSY220 as a prerequisite):

PSY 333Cognitive Psychology.
Introduction to the higher mental processes, including attention, memory,
language, and problem solving. A laboratory component of the course using human
subjects is part of the course. Prerequisites include completion of the Natural
Science Sequence requirement.

PSY 337 Learning
Examines the basic processes of human and animal learning. Includes a laboratory
component and research project.

PSY 462 Research SeminarA seminar for exploring significant psychological research questions. A
laboratory component is scheduled for the design and conduct of
student-initiated collaborative projects. Culminating Experience in Psychology.
Offered Winter Term of Senior Year. 1 credit. Prerequisite: 401.

In addition to the above list of courses, as a psychology major you are
required to take two other courses. That course could be one of the courses
you did not select from the above list or any other course the department
offers.

Electives

PSY 163The Individual, Society, and Film
Explores cinematic representations of the interaction between cultural
and individual processes (such as personality, cognition, and behavior
disorders) in modern society. Additional focus on how film impacts these
processes. In combination with Pls 163, satisfies the Modern Society
LADR.

PSY 165Psychology of the Family
Examines the nature of the family unit and the development of the
individual within the family. Special attention is paid to how family
socialization differs across sub-cultures in the United States and
cross-nationally. In combination with His 165, satisfies the Modern
Society LADR.

PSY 250Psychology of Film
Examines the psychological and rhetorical qualities of film as they
apply to filmmakers, audiences, and cinematic texts. An
interdisciplinary approach integrates experimental, qualitative, and
interpretive research from the domains of psychology, mass
communication, film studies, and literary criticism. Identical to Com
250. Prerequisite: 111 or Com 212 or Com 242.

PSY 330Human Factors
Application of fundamental principles of human mental and behavioral
processes to the design of more useful and comfortable equipment,
computers, and workspaces. Includes design exercises focusing on human
factors. Prerequisites: 111 and General Degree Requirement III.A, or
permission of the instructor.

PSY 332Counseling and PsychotherapySurvey of the theoretical and practical concerns involved in helping
people with emotional problems, emphasizing both individual and group
techniques. Includes a practicum. Prerequisites: 231 and 243.

PSY 1/2/360Special Topics in Psychology.
Coverage of issues not included in the regular curriculum. Topics change with staff and student interests. Some topics evolve into integral additions to the
curriculum. Offered on an irregular basis depending on availability of staff
and demand. (This course is not to be confused with "Directed Studies"
which is not offered by the Department of Psychology.) For example, in
Spring Term 1994, one Special Topics courses will be offered.